Role of protein and amino acids in the pathophysiology and treatment of sarcopenia

Abstract

Sarcopenia, the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function with aging, is a multifactorial condition that slowly develops over decades and becomes a significant contributor to disability in the older population. Malnutrition and alterations in the muscle anabolic response to nutritional stimuli have been identified as potentially preventable factors that may significantly contribute to sarcopenia. Thus, nutritional interventions may be useful for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia.

Fig. 1

Effect of an oral essential amino acid bolus on net muscle phenylalanine balance, an index of net muscle protein anabolism.

Fig. 2

Effects of continuous oral administration of balanced amino acids alone or combined with glucose in young and older adults. *p < 0.01 vs. basal. **p < 0.05 vs. others during feeding.